Nedy Tantoco, luxury retail leader, 77

MANILA, Philippines — Zenaida R. Tantoco , a leader and visionary in the country’s high-end luxury retail industry, died last Thursday at age 77.

Tantoco was chairman and CEO of the country’s leading specialty retailer SSI Group Inc. and chairman of Rustan Commercial Corp. and Rustan Marketing Corp. She passed away at 11:42 p.m. on Feb. 8, leaving behind an enduring legacy of excellence in the luxury retail sphere.

The eldest daughter of Rustan’s Group founders Tantoco family patriarch Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, Nedy was known to her family as a nurturing force.

“Nedy will always be better remembered as a nurturing force in fostering family empowerment and unity. These, she believed, were key for their family’s future generations to thrive,” the Tantoco Group said in a statement.

A cum laude graduate from Assumption College with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, she had over 40 years of experience in the retail business, serving as director of SSI since 2007 and then as chairman and CEO of all of the group’s companies. 

In addition, she was a member of the board of directors of several Rustan’s Group companies, including Rustan Commercial Corp., Rustan Marketing Corp. and Rustan Coffee Corp.

“Like her siblings Rico and wife Nena Tantoco, Menchu and husband Jun Lopez, Marilou and husband Eddie Pineda, Marilen Tantoco, and Maritess and husband Renato Enriquez; Nedy uncompromisingly upheld the sacred values taught by their parents in running a family enterprise,” the Rustan’s Group said. 

Aside from her retail business acumen and astute professionalism, she was also well-known for her philanthropic endeavors and support for the arts. 

She is survived by partner Patrick Jacinto; her three children: Anton with wife Nina and daughters Nikki and Isabelle; Michael with wife Kathy and children Kenzie and Kameron; and Catherine with husband David Endriga; and her family of dogs Sabrina, Tricia, Tessa, Katlinka, Skippy, Bocelli and Tequila.

In a post on Instagram, Nikki Huang paid tribute to her grandmother with a photo of them together and a caption: “My queen, my real life fairy godmother and now guardian angel.”

The wake will be held at 25B Tamarind Road, Forbes Park Makati City, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10-12, then at Heritage Park, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Feb. 13-14. The funeral mass will be held on Feb. 15 at Santuario de San Antonio Parish. — Richmond Mercurio